Humans can struggle with a broad range of addictions that can be harmful to the individual as well as friends, family and co-workers. One of the most controversial addictions is sex addiction. This addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality, and erotomania, has been associated with a variety of psychological and sociological issues, but specialists have varying opinions concerning whether sex addiction is a true medical, psychological, or physiological condition.
Diagnosis
The American Psychiatric Association has frequently grappled with the issue of sex addiction in editions of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. In 1987, the DSM-III made a reference to sexual addiction that was later removed. The DSM-IV released in 2000 did not include sex addition as a disorder, but a miscellaneous diagnosis titled “sexual disorders not otherwise specified” appeared in the DSM-IV-TR. The condition was submitted for inclusion in the most recent diagnostic and statistical manual, DSM V, under the title “hypersexuality,” but the APA chose not to include the diagnosis due to lack of empirical evidence concerning the condition. Excessive sexual drive is acknowledged by the International Classification of Diseases as a diagnosis.
Causes
Difficulties with diagnosis or diagnostic terminology does not eliminate the reality or seriousness of sex addiction. People with certain psychological disorders that include obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more likely to struggle with sexual addictions. Some specialists rebut this hypothesis by pointing out that all of these disorders have been confused with addictive traits. Other theories suggest that sex addiction stems from feelings of unworthiness or other psychological distress.
Treatment
The controversy surrounding the diagnosis of sex addiction has led to a great deal of debate over its treatment. On one hand, the personal safety of a sexually promiscuous individual must be preserved. On the other hand, sex therapists and healthcare practitioners must avoid shaming clients for acting on natural sexual impulses. The best treatments for individuals experiencing harmful effects of hypersexuality may include cognitive-behavioral therapies in which an individual is challenged to think differently about an urge. Treatments used for other impulse-control issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder have been used with some success in helping those that struggle with sex addiction.
